The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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MARCH 2023 THE WOLVERINE 11 INSIDE MICHIGAN ATHLETICS Walk Before You Run By Clayton Sayfie Michigan sophomore Amorion Walker is a "freak," proven by his 6.10-second three-cone drill time during winter condition- ing (that would've been the fastest time in NFL Draft Scouting Combine history). He generated a lot of buzz when the video dropped, with fans discussing what kind of impact an athlete like that can make this fall. The 6-foot-3, 180-pounder started out as a wide receiver but also played cornerback last season, and he could go either way (or both) this fall. We'll say he sticks at one or the other, at least this com- ing season. It's hard for an underclassman to learn and consistently prepare on both sides of the ball, let alone these two positions. Even Mike Sainristil — a team captain and one of the smartest Wol- verines on the squad — stayed at defensive back last season despite being listed as a "DB/WR" on the roster, switching there full time after spending his first three seasons on offense. By the time the 2023 season starts, it's likely the U-M staff will identify where it needs Walker to play. There's a job open at cornerback opposite sophomore Will Johnson, so that feels like the best bet for Walker, to either earn the starting nod or play rotational snaps. Meanwhile, the Wolverines return two of their top three wide receivers in terms of production, graduate Cornelius Johnson and senior Roman Wilson, along with a slew of other talented youngsters. Both Ways For Amorion Walker? By All Means By Chris Balas First things first — we've already reported that Walker will play cornerback this spring. There is a need there, and he's got the size, the athleticism and the fluid hips to be a really good one. Some folks in the building think he could be an all-conference (at least) player at the position, and with DJ Turner and Gemon Green having moved on, they need numbers. That said … Walker is also the kind of receiver who can make a difference in the passing game. Head coach Jim Harbaugh called him one of three "freaks" who came in as freshmen, and Walker showed signs in practice of emerging as one of next year's breakout candidates on of- fense. In fact, when we asked fifth-year Ronnie Bell at Fiesta Bowl practices who stood out and who he expected to emerge next season, Walker was the first name out of his mouth. He's a playmaker, Bell said, and makes some insane catches. Yes, the receiver room appears pretty deep. But there are a lot of unprovens there, and if you have a potential difference-maker on that side of the ball, you use him any way you can. Is he the next Charles Woodson? Probably not. But Walker has the skill set to play both receiver and defensive back at a high level. If you've got it … use it. POINT ❙ COUNTERPOINT WILL AMORION WALKER PLAY BOTH WAYS IN 2023? AMORION WALKER Daily updates and analysis from EJ Holland and Zach Libby from their cross-country travels. Go behind the scenes with exclusive coverage from Chris Balas, Clayton Sayfie and Anthony Broome. The best Wolverines message board on the web. A cleaner database with more information than any predecessor. The Premier Michigan Site, Now On The Network! Sign up now at TheWolverine.com! JOIN THEWOLVERINE.COM JOIN THEWOLVERINE.COM ONLY $29.99 ONLY $29.99 FOR ACCESS UNTIL AUG. 31, 2023! FOR ACCESS UNTIL AUG. 31, 2023! RECRUITING SCOOP DAILY TEAM COVERAGE STRONG COMMUNITY NEXT-GENERATION PLAYER DATABASE NOTE: TheWolverine.com is the companion site to The Wolverine magazine. It is a separate subscription and is NOT included with the magazine.